Brain storming for a new UQ

**G.L.P.** · 10-27-2011, 08:21

i did the same thing with paper..... once i get time today i'll post some pics

**Two Tents** · 10-27-2011, 08:33

On the picture of the cuts on the flat layout picture- How about 2 long, deep, and narrow v cuts at each end. That may give more of a boat bottom. Just sayin.

**ZMad2000** · 10-27-2011, 12:25

If you REALLY want to save weight and not have too much extra have somebody take some paper when u r in your hammock and trace out your "lay". That should give you a good idea of how much area you will need/want to cover.

I did 2 UQ earlier this year and just went with the square shape and differential cut.

**streamline** · 10-27-2011, 13:52

I have thought about trying that ZMad but I would like to be able to allow friends to try this out or have the option to sell this later if need be. I don't want it to overly specific to my body.

Ok so I have thought about this and played with some paper and have a much simpler and streamlined version. This is going back toward the original shape I started with pre-opening this thread.

The adjusters on the side would be like the "Stretch Side Hammock" design that Knotty posted up, which is my next diy project before the UQ. This would keep things very simple and avoids any darts, which I don't think would be worth the added effort to add for this shape.

Anyhow, what do you guys think of this design?

**Detail Man** · 10-28-2011, 17:55

THe latest vesion looks better to my eye. I think this one will hug your body better. Not sure if the stretch side is necessary though. Someone else mentioned using darts. This would probably be the easiest way to do what you want to accomplish. Stormcrow/Hammock Gear uses darts on his full-length UQs to fit them. What he does with darts is very nice.

**Floridahanger** · 10-28-2011, 18:13

Yes, this seems to be a better design. Isn't the design process so much fun?

Trial and error with paper so much better than wasting fabric.
Also, the flat ends will be better for the channels. Good job. Keep going.

**streamline** · 10-28-2011, 22:10

Totally agree Floridahanger. I have a reputation of making things way to complicated and then falling in love with the overly complicated idea. lol
That being said, I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the side darts. My thoughts with the bungee adjustments were that it be the equivalent of side darts. Then again I would prefer to simplify this more by just adding the darts.
How deep would side darts need to go?

lol someone at work walked by when I was messing with my mini hammock and uq, the look I got lol

**streamline** · 10-29-2011, 08:42

Alright, I did a bit more searching around the forum and I think that I get the darts. I was thinking something completely different. Thank you everyone for you help! Time to order supplies.

**Detail Man** · 10-29-2011, 09:28

Here's a common way to do darts for IX quilts. http://www.diygearsupply.com/diy.html This worked very well on the IX quilts I have made. I haven't tried this method on a down UQ though. Some folks run the darts the long direction of the quilt, as I do, halfway between the mesh baffles. They can just go 12-18" from each end. Stormcrow makes his continuous, but I think his method is top secret.

You don't have to remove any material to make darts. To take up 2" of fabric, fold the fabric and stictch at 1".

Good luck. Can't wait to see the finished project.